Deng Qingming and Zhang Lu were awarded the honorary title of "Heroic Astronaut", while Fei Junlong was awarded the Second Class Aerospace Merit Medal. China | Astronaut | Deng Qingming
Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Central Military Commission of the State Council on awarding Fei Junlong the "Second level Aerospace Merit Medal" and awarding Deng Qingming and Zhang Lu the honorary title of "Heroic Astronaut" and awarding him the "Third level Aerospace Merit Medal"
On November 29, 2022, the Shenzhou-15 manned spacecraft was successfully launched. Astronauts Fei Junlong, Deng Qingming, and Zhang Lu successfully entered the Tianhe core module aboard the spacecraft and stayed in orbit for 6 months. They conducted 4 extravehicular activities, conducted a series of space science and technology experiments, and successfully completed various operational management tasks of the space station assembly. They safely returned on June 4, 2023. The Shenzhou 15 manned mission is the decisive conclusion of the construction phase of China's space station. For the first time, it has formed the largest configuration of "three cabins and three ships" in the space station, achieved the "space rendezvous" of two astronaut teams for the first time, and set a new record for the number of times that Chinese astronauts have gone out of the space in a single team. It marks a new step for China's space industry to take a high level of scientific and technological self-reliance, and accelerate the building of a space power to achieve new breakthroughs. It is of great significance to enhance China's comprehensive national strength and enhance the cohesion of the Chinese nation, encourage the whole party, the whole army, and the people of all ethnic groups to firm confidence, maintain determination, work hard and forge ahead bravely, and strive to write a new chapter of Chinese path to modernization.
The successful manned flight mission of Shenzhou 15 embodies the wisdom and hard work of a large number of scientific and technological workers, astronauts, cadres and staff, as well as PLA commanders and fighters. Comrade Fei Junlong, Deng Qingming, and Zhang Lu are outstanding representatives among them. They are determined to serve the country, loyal to their mission, resilient, persistent, and sincere in unity, showcasing the strong Chinese spirit and strength to the world. Comrade Fei Junlong went into space again after a 17 year hiatus and served as the commander twice, becoming the first Chinese astronaut to conduct extravehicular activities after the full completion of the space station. Comrade Deng Qingming persisted in his original aspiration of flying for 25 years, persistently pursuing his dreams, and excellently completed a series of experiments and experimental tasks. Comrade Zhang Lu has been conducting solid training for 12 years, and successfully completed 4 extravehicular missions on his first flight. In recognition of their outstanding achievements in China's manned spaceflight industry, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission have decided to award Comrade Fei Junlong the "Second level Aerospace Merit Medal", Deng Qingming and Zhang Lu the honorary title of "Heroic Astronaut", and the "Third level Aerospace Merit Medal".
Comrades Fei Junlong, Deng Qingming, and Zhang Lu are pioneers of the times who never forget their original aspirations, always remember their missions, and dedicate themselves to the noble cause. They are role models for exploring the universe, building dreams of space, and building a strong aerospace country.
